As a keen supporter, we were absolutely delighted to be invited to Afternoon Tea at St. Christopher’s Hospice in South London on Wednesday 14th December 2016.

Attended by approximately 100 supporters, friends and patients, the occasion was made even more special by the arrival of the charity’s Patron; HRH Princess Alexandra who had been making her annual Christmas visit to patients and their families on the wards. The first cousin to the Queen and soon to celebrate her 80th birthday on the 25th of December, she is a wonderful lady and such a pleasure to speak to.

An absolutely delicious selection of sandwiches, wraps and cakes with fruit juice and tea was served whilst we enjoyed the delightful voices of St. Christopher’s Choir.

During a heart warming speech, we were treated to a video of the new single, due for release on the 16th December 2016 of the Living Years by The London Hospices Choir and Paul Carrick. It is their hope that they make the Christmas No.1 and we will do our best to promote this on our website and social media. You can help by purchasing or downloading the single from Amazon, HMV and iTunes.

St. Christopher’s already at the forefront of specialist palliative care education for those working in the UK and internationally were pleased to announce their plans to demolish the current education centre which has, unfortunately, become rather outdated and rebuild it with a cutting-edge 21st-century educational facility.

It is their aim not only to educate those working and caring for those with terminal illnesses but to promote the transformation of death, dying and loss through education to the general public.

St. Christopher’s not only want to be part of the community but they want to be there for the community.

“The hospice was founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders so that people could die with dignity and without pain. The founder of the modern hospice movement, Dame Cicely changed end of life care around the world and her vision continues to inspire work today”. http://www.stchristophers.org.uk/50years

To mark the charity’s 50th Anniversary there are some very special events planned which include New Years Day parade on 1st January, London to Paris bike ride on 14 – 18th June, Lambeth Tea Party on 29 June and Southwark Cathedral Service on 20th July. They also plan on producing a special commemorative book, a series of podcasts and short films to celebrate their history, break down some myths about hospice care and show the rich diversity of their work, their patients and the people behind St. Christopher’s.

With St. Christopher’s Hospice being our chosen charity of the year we are proud to have sponsored The Classic Car Show in Norman Park in September, entered their “Art for Life Programme” into the Aviva Community Fund for which we are absolutely delighted to confirm that they are finalists; fingers crossed for the 10th of January 2017 https://brownhillgroup.co.uk/aviva-community-fund/

Going forward in June of next year we have our very own Keith Penning taking part in the London to Paris bike ride. Keep an eye out for future blogs on his progress.

It was a very informative and social afternoon and we enjoyed the opportunity of engaging with an interesting mix of people.